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Athletics Victoria released a statement on Friday afternoon related to the decision.
"Athletics Victoria advises that in the light of the rapid development in recent days of with respect to the coronavirus pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Flack Advisory Group Victorian Masters Track and Field Championships due to take place this weekend at Bendigo," the statement read.
"The decision has been made in consultation with Victorian Masters Athletics (VMA) and Athletics Bendigo, and has not been made lightly.
"AV, VMA and Athletics Bendigo have made this decision in the interests of the health and safety of our athletes, officials, volunteers, staff and general public.
"This is in line with the approach other sports and public events here in Australia and around the world have taken with regards to mass gatherings in past days.
While other sports can conduct their competitions in the absence of crowds, athletic events require large numbers of officials and volunteers to proceed.
"The masters event also sees many age groups compete that are in the susceptible age range of the coronavirus, and therefore we are not willing to risk the safety of these athletes.
"A full refund of entry fees will be processed for athletes, but unfortunately due to AV, VMA and Athletics Bendigo being not-for-profit organisations we are unable to reimburse travel or accommodation costs. It is up to the individual to take action in regard to these costs."
EARLIER
A major athletics event that was scheduled to be held at the Flora Hill athletics complex this weekend has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.
Hundreds of athletes were due to compete at the 2020 Victorian Masters Championships.
Athletics Bendigo general manager Terry Hicks said the decision was made based on state government advice to not hold mass gatherings.
"We are complying with government directives and have followed warnings and advice which is being given out by health administrators," Hicks said.
"Both the Little Athletics 2020 State Track & Field Championships and the Masters have been impacted by the decision.
"We're obligated to follow the guidelines to protect the health of all athletes and the general public."
Little Athletics Victoria released a statement on Friday in regards to the decision to cancel the Track Championships which were due to be held in Melbourne.
"LAVic has taken this decision in interests of the health of our athletes, families, officials, volunteers, staff, suppliers and the general public," the statement read.
"This is in line with the approach other sports and public events here in Australia and around the world have taken with regards to mass gatherings in past days.
"Clearly, while other sports can conduct their competitions in the absence of crowds, Little Athletics, with its requirement for parental oversight and volunteers, cannot proceed.
"Every effort will be made to find a suitable alternate date later in 2020 to stage the Track & Field Championships."
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